General Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Hetero-aromatic Ketones

trans-RuCl(2)[(R)-xylbinap][(R)-daipen] or the S,S complex acts as an efficient catalyst for asymmetric hydrogenation of hetero-aromatic ketones. The hydrogenation proceeds with a substrate-to-catalyst molar ratio of 1000-40000 to give chiral alcohols in high ee and high yield. The enantioselectivity appears to be little affected by the properties of the hetero-aromatic ring. This method allows for asymmetric synthesis of duloxetine, an inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine uptake carriers.